Hard shell rooftop tent with utility rails

ABSTRACT

A tent system with utility rails is described. The hard shell tent system may include a first shell member, second shell member, utility rails, and an articulating mechanism. The first shell member may be adapted to mount to a roof of a vehicle. The second shell member may be adapted to mate with the first shell member and define an interior cavity when the tent system is in a closed position. The utility rails may be coupled to the second shell member and adapted to support items on top of the second shell member. The articulating mechanism may couple the first shell member to the second shell member and may transfer a weight of the second shell member and the utility rails to a roof of the vehicle when the tent system is in the open position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/254,961, entitled “Adaptable Tent System with InterconnectingMember,” filed on Sep. 1, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/213,600, entitled “Gimp with Zipper forinterchanging a tent base platform with the tent canopy. The Gimp isconstructed of the same or similar material to the tent and attached tothe base. The Gimp has a zipper on the non-base side. The Gimp allows aperson to remove the tent canopy from the tent base simply by unzippingalong the perimeter. The Gimp can also be used for an annex attachedunderneath the vehicle tent's base for easy removal. The use of a gimpis in lieu of attaching the tent or annex to base,” filed on Sep. 2,2015. This application also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/351,175, entitled “Hard ShellRoof-Top Tent with Utility Rails,” filed on Jun. 16, 2016, the entirecontents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to rooftop tents that are mountable on avehicle.

Many outdoors enthusiasts enjoy camping, but setting up a tent can betime consuming and inconvenient, especially when there are no suitableplaces to put a tent. Additionally, it is frequently beneficial to belocated off the ground to avoid disturbing or being disturbed bywildlife. A popular solution to such a problem is a rooftop tent thatattaches to the top of a vehicle. Unfortunately, current rooftop tentsalso present various shortcomings. Many existing rooftop racks are notaerodynamic, thereby causing wind resistance and decreasing fuelefficiency. Additionally, existing rooftop tents are frequently attachedto a vehicle's roof rails, which prevents other items, such as bicycles,surfboards, and skis from being mounted to the roof rails.

Existing rooftop tents may include a base that can be mounted to avehicle and a tent fabric permanently affixed to the base. Such existingrooftop tents tend to be difficult to repair and are unable to adapt tovarious weather conditions or user needs, in part because the tentfabric is difficult to replace.

Accordingly, there is a need among such tents to improve aerodynamics,ease of use, and utility.

SUMMARY

A rooftop tent system is described. According to some implementations,the rooftop tent system includes a first shell member including a firstrigid portion defining a first perimeter edge, the first shell memberadapted to mount to a roof of a vehicle. The first shell member alsoincludes a second shell member including a second rigid portion defininga second perimeter edge, the second perimeter adapted to mate with thefirst perimeter edge when the tent system is in a closed position, thefirst shell member and the second shell member defining an interiorcavity when the tent system is in the closed position, the second shellmember moving away from the first shell member when the tent system isin an open position. The first shell member also includes one or moreutility rails secured to the second shell member, the one or moreutility rails adapted to support one or more items on top of the secondshell member. The first shell member also includes an articulatingmechanism coupling the first shell member to the second shell member,the articulating mechanism bearing against the second shell member totransfer a weight of the second shell member and the one or more utilityrails to the roof of the vehicle when the tent system is in the openposition, the articulating mechanism adapted to collapse to a firstposition when the tent system is in the closed position and extend to asecond position when the tent system is in the open position.

In general, another innovative aspect of the subject matter described inthis disclosure may be embodied in methods that include operations forthe use and manufacture of the system above.

It should be understood that the language used in the present disclosurehas been principally selected for readability and instructionalpurposes, and not to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way oflimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals are used to refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example rooftop tent system in anopen position and mounted to a vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example rooftop tent in an openposition.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example articulating mechanism, liftassistance mechanism, and bracket plate.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of an example rooftop tent system with anexample item mounted on the utility rails.

FIGS. 5A-5E are illustrations of example interconnecting members.

FIGS. 6A-6C are top perspective views of an example rooftop tent system.

FIGS. 7A-7B are bottom perspective views of an example rooftop tentsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of this disclosure, reference numbers may be used torefer to components found in any of the figures, regardless whetherthose reference numbers are shown in the figure being described.Further, where a reference number includes a letter referring to one ofmultiple similar components (e.g., 000 a, 000 b, and 000 n), thereference number may be used without the letter to refer to one or allof the similar components.

The present disclosure describes an innovative technology relating to arooftop tent system 102 (hereinafter “tent system”) for vehicles 120.The tent system 102 may include an aerodynamic hard shell 420 thatincludes utility rails 108 for mounting items, such as utility roofracks, bicycles, surfboards, skis, kayaks, etc., on top of the tentsystem 102. It should be further noted that the techniques and systemsdescribed herein may be applied to other rooftop systems, such as avehicle 120 mounted cargo box.

The tent system 102 may include a low profile, rack ready, and versatilehard shell 420. For example, the technologies described herein may allowthe tent system 102 to have a low profile (e.g., eight inches thick)while in the closed position, whereas existing soft and hard-shell rooftop tents may be substantially thicker (e.g., 50% thicker or 12-13inches thick) while in a closed position. This low profile, aerodynamicdesign is made possible, for example, by the shape of the hard shell 420and the design of its hinges (e.g., the articulating mechanism 202described herein), among other features.

The tent system 102 may include utility rails 108 that may be integratedwith or attached to the top, sides, front, and/or back of the hard shell420. The articulating mechanism 202 may be configured to include asupport or lift assistance mechanism 204 that assists a user to lift orlower the weight of a top half of the hard shell 420, the utility rails108, and/or items placed on top of the utility rails 108. In someimplementations, the lift assistance mechanism 204 may be adjustable orinterchangeable so that different weights may be lifted or supported.For example, different interchangeable lift assistance mechanisms 204with various weight capacities may be used with (e.g., attached to) thehard shell 420 to support a top half of the hard shell 420 as well asbicycles, surfboards, or other items that may be mounted to the utilityrails 108.

For example, as discussed in the Background, one of the biggestdrawbacks to previous rooftop tents is the fact that people could notbring their gear (e.g., bicycles, skis, or other items) that wouldtypically mount to the roof rails 122 or rooftop rack of their vehicle120, because the rooftop tents mount to the roof rails 122 or rooftoprack of the vehicle 120 thereby leaving no room for the gear. Thetechnologies described herein may include utility rails 108 mounted ontop of the tent system 102 and a lift assistance mechanism 204 thatallows a user to open and close the tent system 102 with the gear stillsupported on the top of the hard shell 420/utility rails 108 rather thanhave users unload gear attached to the tent system 102 before openingthe tent system 102. Accordingly, using the lift assistance mechanism204 and other components described herein, the tent system 102 may beopened even with potentially heavy items mounted on top of the utilityrails 108. For example, lift assistance mechanisms 204 may be removableand interchangeable to support a different amounts of weight. Forinstance, a user may use one lift assistance mechanism 204 if asurfboard is mounted to the tent system's utility rails 108 and adifferent (e.g., with a different weight rating) lift assistancemechanism 204 if a bicycle is mounted to the utility rails 108.

In some implementations, the tent system 102 may include a flexiblemembrane 110 (e.g., tent fabric) and an interconnecting member 506(e.g., as described in reference to FIGS. 5A-5E) for detachably couplingthe tent fabric to one or more of the components of the hard shell 420.For example, the interconnecting member 506 allows a hard shell 420 andtent fabric (e.g., the flexible membrane 110 described herein) to beeasily separable so that the tent fabric can be easily replaced,repaired, and/or stored. In some implementations, due to theinterchangeable nature of components of the interconnecting member 506,multiple tent fabrics can be interchangeably or simultaneously mountedto the hard shell 420 to provide adaptability to various weatherconditions or user needs.

The hard shell 420, utility rails 108, articulating mechanism 202, liftassistance mechanism 204, interconnecting member 506, and othercomponents of the tent system 102 are described in further detailthroughout this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view 100 of an example rooftop tent system 102in an open position and mounted to a vehicle 120. As illustrated, thetent system 102 may comprise a hard shell 420 with attached utilityrails 108. The hard shell 420 may include a bottom shell member 106adapted to mount to a roof of a vehicle 120 and a top shell member 104adapted to mate with the bottom shell member 106 when the tent system102 is in a closed position. The bottom shell member 106 and the topshell member 104 define an interior cavity when the tent system 102 isin the closed position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6A, for example).The top shell member 104 may move away from the bottom shell member 106when opening the tent system 102 and be held in a given orientationrelative to the bottom shell member 106 by the articulating mechanism202 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6B).

The bottom shell member 106 and/or top shell member 104 of the hardshell 420 may be constructed of substantially rigid material. Forexample, in some implementations, the hard shell 420 may includefiberglass sandwich construction. Fiberglass sandwich constructionallows a high strength to weight ratio, so the tent system 102 may beeasily transported and mounted while also being capable of supportingthe weight of items attached to its utility rails 108. It should beunderstood that other materials are possible and contemplated herein,for example, the hard shell 420 may be constructed of other lightweightbut strong materials, such as certain types of plastics, carbon fiber,aluminum, steel, etc.

The utility rails 108 may include one or more bars, poles, rails, rods,etc., integrated with or secured to the top shell member 104. Forexample, the utility rails 108 may include two parallel load barsadapted to receive (e.g., have mounted thereon) a vehicle 120 utilityrack or may include an integrated utility rack. In some implementations,the bars may range from plus or minus 6 inches from 36 inches long,although other lengths are possible. In some implementations, theutility rails 108 may replicate vehicle 120 utility rails 108 mounted onor integrated with a vehicle 120. The utility rails 108 may runlongitudinally (e.g., with the length of the vehicle 120, as shown inFIG. 1) or transversely (perpendicular to the length of the vehicle 120)on the tent system 102. The utility rails 108 are adapted to support oneor more items on top of the top shell member 104, for example, asillustrated and described in reference to FIGS. 4A-4B.

In some implementations, the integrated utility rails 108 may be rackready (e.g., configured to allow standard, transversely mounted vehicle120 roof racks to be attached to the utility rails 108). Load bars ofthe utility rails 108 may be constructed from a different material fromthe fiberglass shell, such as steel, aluminum, etc. In someimplementations, the technologies described herein may allow the utilityrails 108 to support a weight in excess of 150 pounds on top of the tophard shell member 104.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tent system 102 includes a flexiblemembrane 110 that extends between the top shell member 104 and thebottom shell member 106 to define an enclosure within the tent system102 when the tent system 102 is in a deployed or open position. Forexample, the flexible membrane 110 may form tent sides while the bottomshell member 106 forms a base and the top shell member 104 forms a roofof the tent system 102. The flexible membrane 110 may include any typeof expandable, foldable, or flexible material, such as fabric, canvas,mesh, net, vinyl, nylon, polyester, etc.

In some implementations, the flexible membrane 110 may be detachablysecured to the bottom 106 and/or top shell members 104 via aninterconnecting member 506 (e.g., as described in reference to FIGS.5A-5E). One of the benefits using the interconnecting member 506 is theability to use additional, fewer, or different materials to constructthe flexible membrane 110 than are used in existing tents. For example,a flexible membrane 110 may be constructed of mesh, and may allow anadditional flexible membrane 110 (e.g., constructed of water resistantmaterial) to be attached hard shell 420 in addition to, or in place of,the mesh flexible membrane 110 using the interconnecting member 506.

In some implementations, the tent system 102 may include an attached orattachable ladder 118, which may be deployed over the back or a side ofthe vehicle 120, depending on the implementation, to enable a person toclimb into the tent system 102. In some implementations, the ladder 118may be attached to the bottom or side of the bottom shell member 106.

In some implementations, the ladder 118 may be coupled to the bottomshell member 106 via a mounting mechanism, such as the ladder bracket116, a sliding mount, hooks, bolts, adhesive, rivets, or any othersuitable mechanism. In some implementations, the ladder 118 may bedetachably coupled to the bottom shell member 106 via a ladder bracket116. In some implementations, the ladder 118 may be slidably coupled tothe bottom shell member 106 via a sliding mount (not shown), whichenables the ladder 118 to slide into or beneath, for example, the bottomshell member 106. For example, the sliding mount may include a cavityformed by the bottom shell member 106, L channels, C channels (e.g., twochannels with openings facing each other), or another mountingmechanism, affixed to or formed by the bottom shell member 106 intowhich all or a component of the ladder 118 may slide and lock in placewhen the ladder 118 is not in use. It should be noted that otherconfigurations are possible and contemplated, such as where the ladder118 is pivotally mounted to tent, for example, so that it may fold ontop of, underneath, or to the side/back of the tent system 102 when notin use. Similarly, the ladder 118 (and a doorway 114) to the tent system102 may be placed at a rear (as shown in FIG. 1), side, or otherlocations on the tent system 102. In some instances, the ladder 118 maybe alternatively attachable to one or both of the back of and a side ofthe vehicle 120 to allow the tent system 102 to mount to a variety ofvehicles 120. Further, the ladder 118 may be telescopic to accommodatefor different heights of vehicles 120.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view 200 of an example rooftop tent system 102in an open position. As shown in FIG. 2, the tent system 102 may have adoor 208 (shown in an open position draped over the top shell member104) and two windows 210 a and 210 b, although other implementations arepossible and contemplated. In some implementations, the door 208 mayinclude a flap constructed of the same material as the flexible membrane110 on the sides and may be openable/closable via zipper. In someimplementations, the windows 210 may be constructed of mesh or clearplastic and may include a water resistant membrane or flap to cover thewindows for privacy or weather protection. In some implementations, atop portion 214 a of the tent sides may be constructed of a lightweightor breathable material, such as mesh, while a bottom portion 214 b ofthe tent sides may be constructed of a heavier material than the topportion 214 a, such as canvas, thereby providing privacy, durability,and breathability.

FIG. 2 also illustrates an example articulating mechanism 202. Forexample, in the illustrated implementation, the articulating mechanism202 may include a scissor-type hinge where components may slide alongthe sides of each other to reduce the size of the articulating mechanism202 when the tent system 102 is in a closed position and extend toattach the top shell member 104 to the bottom shell member 106 when thetent system 102 is in an open position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). Asillustrated, the articulating mechanism 202 may include or have attacheda lift assistance mechanism 204 configured to assist in lifting thesecond shell member to an open position. For example, the liftassistance mechanism 204 may include a strut that is adapted to supportthe weight comprising the top shell member 104, the flexible membrane110, the utility rails 108, and/or items or gear that may be placed ontop of the top shell member 104 or utility rails 108.

In some implementations, the articulating mechanism 202 may couple thebottom shell member 106 to the top shell member 104. The articulatingmechanism 202 may bear against the second shell member to transfer aweight of the second shell (and items supported by the top shell member104 or utility rails 108) to the roof 112 of the vehicle 120 when thetent system 102 is in the open position. The articulating mechanism 202may be adapted to collapse to a first position when the tent system 102is in the closed position and extend to a second position when the tentsystem 102 is in the open position. The articulating mechanism 202 andlift assistance mechanism 204 are shown and described in further detailin reference to FIG. 3A.

In some implementations, the tent system 102 may include one or morelatches 206 a and latch points 206 b for holding the hard shell 420 in aclosed position (e.g., as shown, for example, in FIG. 6A). For example,a latch 206 a may be attached to the bottom shell member 106 and a latchpoint 206 b may be attached to the top shell member 104, although otherimplementations are possible. The latch 206 a attaches to the latchpoint 206 b to securely hold the hard shell 420 in a closed position,especially when there are items mounted to the utility rails 108. Insome implementations, the latches 206 may be constructed of a highquality thermoplastic elastomer, metal, or other material.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example articulating mechanism 202 with anexample lift assistance mechanism 204. An articulating mechanism 202couples the bottom shell member 106 to the top shell member 104 andbears against the top shell member 104 to transfer a weight of the topshell member 104, the utility rails 108, and any items that may beplaced thereon to the roof of the vehicle 120 when the tent system 102is in the open position. The articulating mechanism 202 beneficiallyallows the tent system 102 to open widely, but close to a low-profiledesign.

The articulating mechanism 202 may include a scissor-type hinge, acustom designed multi bar hinge linkage, or other configuration. Thehinge assembly/linkage may be constructed of steel, aluminum, or othersuitably strong materials and may include interchangeable supports, suchas a lift assistance mechanism 204. The articulating mechanism 202 maybe fixably attached to the bottom shell member 106 and top shell member104 via one or more mounting brackets 306 a and 306 b or mountingpoints. In some implementations, the mounting brackets 306 may bebolted, glued, welded, or otherwise affixed to the bottom shell member106 or top shell member 104.

In some implementations, a bottom mounting bracket 306 b may be affixedto the bottom shell member 106 and also to mounting hardware (e.g., abracket or other apparatus affixed to the bottom shell member 106 formounting the tent system 102 to roof of the vehicle 120). In someimplementations, a top mounting bracket 306 a may be affixed to the topshell member 104 and to the utility rails 108, for example, via abracket plate 320, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. These configurationsfurther strengthen the tent system 102 to enable the tent system 102 andarticulating mechanism 202 to support the weight of the utility rails108 and items placed on top of the utility rails 108.

The articulating mechanism 202 is adapted to collapse to a firstposition when the tent system 102 is in the closed position and extendto a second position when the tent system 102 is in the open position.For example, various bars 302 of the articulating mechanism 202 may bepositioned to slide past one or more of the other bars 302 in thearticulating mechanism 202. Further, some of the bars may be notched orshaped 304 to fit other bars or pivot points, so that when thearticulating mechanism 202 is in a collapsed/closed position, the entireassembly is compact thereby lowering the profile of the tent system 102and correspondingly decreasing wind resistance and bulk.

In some implementations, the articulating mechanism 202 is adapted tolock in place when the tent system 102 is in an open position. This maybe accomplished using various mechanisms, such as a pin system, a rodextending between points on the articulating mechanism 202 or the bottomand top shell members 104, or other structures for holding thearticulating mechanism 202 or hard shell 420 open. For example, asillustrated, a central pivot point (or any other pivot point) of thearticulating mechanism 202 may have a hole 310 penetrating the bars 302that cross at the central pivot point. A user may insert a pin throughthe hole 310 to lock the articulating mechanism 202 in place.

In some implementations, the articulating mechanism 202 may include alift assistance mechanism 204 adapted to assist in lifting the top shellmember 104 (and, potentially, items supported by the top shell member104) to an open position. It should be noted that although the liftassistance mechanism 204 is illustrated as including a strut, otherimplementations are possible, such as a spring, gas ram, electric motor,pulley, etc. The lift assistance mechanism 204 may be removable, and/orinterchangeable with one or more other supports having different weightratings/weight lift capacities, or the lift assistance mechanism 204 maybe adjustable to support to lift and/or support various weights.

In some implementations, the lift assistance mechanism 204 is detachablyconnected to the articulating mechanism 202, bottom shell member 106,and/or the top shell member 104 using ball joints 308 a and 308 b. Theball joints 308 may have a locking mechanism to attach the liftassistance mechanism 204 to the tent system 102 to allow the liftassistance mechanism 204 to be easily mounted and unmounted from thearticulating mechanism 202 (or other mount points), although otherimplementations and connection types are possible.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example mounting bracket 306 a of thearticulating mechanism 202 and a bracket plate 320 shown as attached ata bottom surface of a top shell member 104. The bracket plate 320 maycouple the mounting bracket 306 a, (and therefore the articulatingmechanism 202, and in some instances, the lift assistance mechanism 204)to the top shell member 104 and, in some implementations, to the utilityrails 108. For example, a first element 322 of the bracket plate 320 mayattach to the top mounting bracket 306 a and a second element 324 of thebracket plate 320 may attach to the utility rails 108 (or a mountingcomponent of the utility rails 108). For example, a front mount point(not shown in FIG. 3B) of a utility rail 108 may attach to the bracketplate 320 through the top shell member 104 using bolts or some othermechanism, thereby providing further strength to the utility rails 108and the connection between the utility rails 108 and the top shellmember 104.

The bracket plate 320 provides a strong coupling between the utilityrails 108 and the articulating mechanism 202. Accordingly, the weight ofthe utility rails 108 and any items or gear placed on the utility rails108 may be transferred through the articulating mechanism 202 withoutputting excessive stress on the top shell member 104. This isbeneficial, for example, in implementations where the top shell member104 tips forward when in an open position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1,4B, and 6B. In such implementations, the weight of items secured to theutility rails 108 may shift toward the front of the tent system 102,putting additional stress on the coupling between the utility rails 108and the top shell member 104, which stress may be supported by thebracket plate 320.

FIG. 4A is a side view 400 a of an example rooftop tent in a closedposition with an example item 406 mounted thereon. As shown, the tentsystem 102 is mounted to the roof of a vehicle 120 using mountinghardware 402 for mounting the tent system 102 to the vehicle's 120 roofrails 122. In some implementations, the mounting hardware 402 mayinclude transverse bars or other another mechanism attached (e.g.,bolted, formed within, etc.) to the bottom of the bottom shell member106. For example, the mounting hardware 402 may include a transverselymounted rail, rack, clamps, straps, or other mounting hardwareconfigured to attach the tent system 102 to vehicle roof rails 122.

As shown in the example implementation, the tent system 102 may includeutility rails 108 integrated into the top shell member 104, although itshould be noted that the integrated utility rails 108 may be attachableor detachable, etc. The utility rails 108 may support items directly orvia an integrated or attachable utility/roof rack 404. The roof rack 404may be bicycle, ski, or other specialized rack. For example, the roofrack 404 may include transversely mounted rails that may attach items406 or include attachments configured to attach items 406, such asbicycles, skis, or surfboards. Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the utilityrails 108 have an item 406 mounted using an optional roof rack 404. Asillustrated, the item 406 includes a bicycle, but one or more of otheror additional items 406 may be mounted, such as bicycles, surfboards,kayaks, cargo boxes, etc.

FIG. 4B is a side view 400 b of an example rooftop tent system 102 in anopen position with an example item 406 mounted thereon. As illustratedin the side view 400 b, the tent system 102 may be deployed in an openposition while an item 406 is still attached to the utility rails 108.For example, a lift assistance mechanism 204 (not shown in FIG. 4B) mayhave a given weight rating adapted to support the top shell member 104,the utility rack 404, and a particular item 406, such as the illustratedbicycle, to help a user open the hard shell 420 while the item 406remains mounted to the utility rails 108.

In some implementations, the articulating mechanism 202 (and, forinstance, the flexible membrane 110, the lift assistance mechanism 204,or other components of the tent system 102) may be configured so thatthe top shell member 104 tips forward (or another direction) away from adoorway 114, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. The feature where the top shellmember 104 tips forward (e.g., is not parallel with the bottom shellmember 106) provides additional headroom near the doorway 114 and ladder118 for ease of ingress/egress. In implementations where the top shellmember 104 tips forward, as shown in FIG. 6B, the articulating mechanism202 may be positioned forward on hard shell 420 or otherwise configuredto support the weight of the top shell member 104 and/or any itemsmounted thereon when the tent system 102 is in an open position (e.g.,so the top shell member 104 is tipped forward). It should be noted thatthe top shell member 104 may alternatively remain parallel with thebottom shell member 106.

FIG. 5A is a side view 500 a of the tent system 102 in an open positionwith a magnified view 592 of a portion 594 of the tent system 102. Asillustrated, the flexible membrane 110 includes a first flexiblemembrane fastener 518 extending along and fixably attached to a firstmembrane edge 532 a and/or a second flexible membrane fastener 518 (thesecond flexible membrane fastener 518 may be configured in the same wayas the first flexible membrane fastener 518, so the description of themembrane fasteners are combined) extending along and fixably attached tothe second membrane edge 532 b. The flexible membrane fastener 518 maydetachably affix to an interconnecting member fastener 516 of aninterconnecting member 506. The interconnecting member 506 may, in turn,be attached to an edge of a bottom shell member 106 or top shell member104 (e.g., a first interconnecting member 506 may be attached to abottom shell member 106 and a second interconnecting member 506 may beattached to a top shell member 104). The detachable coupling between theflexible membrane fasteners 518 and the interconnecting member fasteners516 (and thereby the hard shell 420) enables the flexible membrane 110to be easily exchanged with other flexible membranes 110 for repair,adaptation to varying weather, etc.

In some implementations, the interconnecting member fastener 516 andflexible membrane fastener 518 may each include a half of a zipper;however, it should be noted that other implementations for fastening theflexible membrane 110 to the interconnecting member 506 are possible andcontemplated herein. The interconnecting member 506 and the fastenersare described in further detail in reference to FIGS. 5B-5E. Furtherdetails and implementations of the interconnecting member 506 andassociated components are described in reference to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/254,961, filed on Sep. 1, 2016, the entirecontents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view 500 b of an example implementation of aninterconnecting member 506 mated to a flexible membrane fastener 518,according to the present disclosure.

The view 500 b shows a section of the membrane edge 532 of the flexiblemembrane 110 attached to the flexible membrane fastener 518. Theflexible membrane fastener 518 is a fastener that detachably affixes theflexible membrane 110 to the interconnecting member 506. In the depictedimplementation, the flexible membrane fastener 518 includes a flexiblemembrane zipper half 512 extending along and fixably attached to themembrane edge 532. A flexible membrane zipper half 512 may include azipper tape 502 and a series of zipper teeth 504 (also known as zipperelements) extending along and fixably attached to the zipper tape 502.The flexible membrane fastener 518 may be adapted to mate with theinterconnecting member fastener 516. For example, as depicted, theinterconnecting member fastener 516 includes an interconnecting memberzipper half 514, which mates with the flexible membrane zipper half 512.

In some implementations, a special zipper may be used for the flexiblemembrane zipper half 512 and/or the interconnecting member zipper half514. Many zippers are built such that one zipper half must always matewith a unique second zipper half. In such zippers, each zipper half mayhave a different number of zipper teeth for a given length of zippertape, which may be true even of zipper halves that are designed to mate.For example, two zipper halves may only match up with each other, butnot with other zipper halves with the same size teeth. Because eachzipper half does not have the same or similar number of teeth for thesame or similar length of zipper tape, as zipper halves are mated, theoverall length of each zipper half may not match. This problem isparticularly pronounced on a long zipper, such as may be included on theinterconnecting member 506. Accordingly, a special zipper may be used sothat the zipper halves, as described herein, may be interchangeable. Forexample, each of the flexible membrane zipper half 512 and theinterconnecting member zipper half 514 may be manufactured such thatthey are each interchangeable with other zipper halves of similar toothsize without significantly altering the overall zipper length when thetwo unrelated halves are joined together. One example of zipper halvesthat may be used to allow interchangeability may be the Musi™ zippermade by the YKK® company, however, it should be noted that othermanufacturers may also make suitable zipper halves that allowinterchangeability.

It should be noted that, although the flexible membrane fastener 518 andthe interconnecting member fastener 516 are described as including azipper/zipper halves, the fasteners may include other suitablefasteners, such as Velcro, magnets (e.g., a string of magnetic snaps, amagnetic strip, etc.), a series of snaps, a series of buttons, or anyother suitable quick release mechanism.

The interconnecting member 506 illustrated in FIG. 5A-5E may include aninterconnecting member fastener 516, an interconnecting member body 520,and an attachment member 508. The interconnecting member body 520 mayhave a rectangular shape defining a first longitudinal edge 548 and asecond longitudinal edge 552. The attachment member 508 may be attachedto the interconnecting member body 520 along the first longitudinal edge548 and the interconnecting member fastener 516 may be attached to theinterconnecting member body 520 along the second longitudinal edge 552.

The interconnecting member body 520 may be constructed of the same orsimilar material as the flexible membrane 110 or the interconnectingmember body 520 may be constructed of a different material that isstrong enough to bind the attachment member 508 to the interconnectingmember fastener 516 (as well as resist any tension placed on theinterconnecting member 506 from by the flexible membrane 110 or hardshell 420). For example, the interconnecting member body 520 may beconstructed of fabric, canvas, mesh, vinyl, nylon, polyester, etc. Insome instances, the interconnecting member body 520 may be reinforcedwith additional layers of material and/or may be treated for weatherresistance.

The interconnecting member body 520 may have various sizes depending onthe implementation. For example, the width of the interconnecting memberbody 520 (e.g., the distance between the first longitudinal edge 548 andthe second longitudinal edge 552) may be 1-4 inches, although otherimplementations are possible.

In some implementations, the length of the interconnecting member body520 may correspond to the distance along the perimeter edge 632 or 634of one or more of the bottom shell member 106 and top shell member 104,depending on the implementation.

In some instances, the tent system 102 may also include two or moreadditional interconnecting members 506 for attaching an additionalflexible membrane 110, portion of a flexible membrane 110, cover, orannex. It should be noted that other lengths and widths are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the techniques described herein.

The attachment member 508 is configured to attach or otherwise connectwith the hard shell 420. For example, the attachment member 508 may beattached to the interconnecting member body 520 along a firstlongitudinal edge 548. In some implementations, the attachment member508 a may be configured for insertion or other interaction with anattachment member receptacle (not shown). An attachment memberreceptacle may include a groove or channel defined by or attached alongthe perimeter edge 632 or 634 into which the attachment member 508 a maybe received. For example, the attachment member 508 may be sized forinsertion into an attachment member receptacle, so that when theattachment member 508 a is inserted into the attachment memberreceptacle, the attachment member 508 a and one or more of the top shellmember 104 and the bottom shell member 106 are fixably attachedtogether. In some instances, the fit of the attachment member 508 andthe attachment member receptacle may be tight enough to form awatertight seal.

In some implementations, the attachment member 508 a may includeadhesive, screws, clamped fabric, a bolt cord 544, or other means ofattaching the interconnecting member body 520 to the bottom shell member106 or top shell member 104. In some implementations, the attachmentmember 508 a may include a bolt cord 544 or welt cord. For example, theattachment member 508 a may include a cord sewn into or otherwiseconnected to a longitudinal edge 548 of the interconnecting member body520. Suitable materials for the cord may include a rope, a plastic orrubberized strand, cloth piping, roll of fabric, etc.

The interconnecting member fastener 516 may be any fastener configuredto attach the interconnecting member body 520 to the flexible membrane110 (e.g., to the flexible membrane fastener 518). The interconnectingmember fastener 516 may be configured to mate with any one of aplurality of different flexible membrane fasteners 518, so that when theinterconnecting member fastener 516 and flexible membrane fastener 518are mated, the interconnecting member 506 and flexible membrane 110 aredetachably, but securely, connected. The interconnecting member fastener516 may be attached to the interconnecting member body 520 along thesecond longitudinal edge 552 of the interconnecting member body 520.

In the implementation depicted in FIG. 5B, the interconnecting memberfastener 516 may include an interconnecting member zipper half 514. Theinterconnecting member zipper half 514 may have a zipper tape 522 and aseries of zipper teeth 504 extending along and fixably attached to thezipper tape 522. The interconnecting member zipper half 514 may beconfigured to attach to any one of a plurality of different flexiblemembrane zipper halves 512. Accordingly, one or more different flexiblemembranes 110 may interchangeably connected to the interconnectingmember 506. For example, the interconnecting member zipper half 514 maybe of the special zipper types described above in reference to theflexible membrane zipper half 512.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view 500 c of an example implementation of aninterconnecting member 506 mated to a flexible membrane fastener 518,according to the present disclosure. The interconnecting member 506illustrated in FIG. 5C is the same as that described in reference toFIG. 5B, however the attachment member 508 b is illustrated as adifferent configuration. For example the attachment member 508 billustrated in FIG. 5C may be adapted to be sewn, glued (e.g., usingadhesive), or otherwise attached to the bottom shell member 106 and/ortop shell member 104. For instance, the attachment member 508 b may beglued along a perimeter edge of one or both of the bottom shell member106 and the top shell member 104.

FIG. 5D is a perspective view 500 d of an example implementation of aninterconnecting member 506, according to the present disclosure. Asdescribed above, the interconnecting member 506 may be a gimp 542, whichincludes a bolt cord 544. The bolt cord 544 may include a cordlongitudinally attached to the gimp body 546 along a first longitudinaledge 548. The bolt cord 544 may be adapted for insertion into anattachment member receptacle of the hard shell 420. For example, thebolt cord 544 may interact with a bottom or top shell member 104 bysliding into an attachment member receptacle attached to a perimeteredge of the bottom or top shell member 104. In some implementations,because the bolt cord 544 may be difficult to slide into and/or out ofan attachment member receptacle, the bolt cord 544 may be attached tothe bottom shell member 106 or top shell member 104 at the factory andmay not be easily removable by a user. Moreover, although the attachmentmember 508 may be another mechanism than a bolt cord 544, as describedabove, the attachment member 508 may generally be a permanent orsemi-permanent installation, so that it is difficult to easily orquickly remove from the hard shell 420, or install and align on the hardshell 420.

Further, as described above, the gimp 542 may include an interconnectingmember fastener, such as a gimp zipper half 550 longitudinally attachedto the gimp body 546 along the second longitudinal edge 552. Aninterconnecting member zipper half, such as the gimp zipper half 550allows the flexible membrane 110 to be quickly attached or removed fromthe hard shell 420. Further the gimp zipper half 550 automaticallyaligns and securely attaches the flexible membrane 110 to the bottomshell member 106 or top shell member 104.

FIG. 5E is a perspective view 500 e of an example implementation of aninterconnecting member 562 (which is an implementation of theinterconnecting member 506), according to the present disclosure. Theinterconnecting member 562 may include an attachment member 560 along afirst longitudinal edge 572 of an interconnecting member body 568. Theinterconnecting member 562 may include a first interconnecting memberfastener 564 and a second interconnecting member fastener 564 eachattached to the interconnecting member body 568 along a secondlongitudinal edge 574. Similar to the interconnecting member fastener516 described elsewhere herein, the second interconnecting memberfastener 566 may include an interconnecting member zipper half 514 withzipper tape 522 and series of zipper teeth 504 fixably attached to thezipper tape 522.

The second interconnecting member fastener 566 may be configured to matewith any one of a plurality of different flexible membrane fasteners518. For example, the second interconnecting member fastener 566 maymate with a second flexible membrane 110 (e.g., having a second flexiblemembrane fastener 518, which may include a second flexible membrane 110defining a second membrane edge 532 and a second flexible membranefastener 518, as described above). For example, the firstinterconnecting member fastener 564 may connect a first flexiblemembrane 110 (e.g., a mesh or lightweight flexible membrane 110) and thesecond interconnecting member fastener 566 may connect a second flexiblemembrane 110 (e.g., a rainfly, weather resistant, insulating, or otherflexible membrane 110).

In some implementations, the first interconnecting member fastener 564and the second interconnecting member fastener 566 may be differentlengths, so that the first interconnecting fastener 564 may mate with afirst configuration of a flexible membrane 110 and the secondinterconnecting member 566 may mate with a cover or a secondconfiguration of a flexible membrane 110 (e.g., a water-resistant orsolid flexible membrane 110, etc.). For example, in someimplementations, the first interconnecting fastener 564 may beconfigured to extend along three sides of a perimeter edge 632 or 634,but the second interconnecting fastener 566 may be configured to extendalong four sides of a perimeter edge 632 or 634.

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view 600 a of an example rooftop tentsystem 102 in a closed position. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the hardshell 420 has a generally rectangular shape. The rectangular shapemaximizes the interior volume of the tent system 102, while fittingconveniently on the top of a vehicle 120. As illustrated, the tentsystem 102 has a low-profile design thanks to features such as therecessed areas 604 and 606, the articulating mechanism 202 (not shown inFIG. 6A), and the shape of the hard shell 420.

FIG. 6A illustrates that the tent system 102 may have an aerodynamicallysloped top portion 610 near the front end 612 of the tent system 102.The top shell member 104 may further have a recessed area 604 on the topto accommodate the utility rails 108 and/or any items (not shown) thatmay be attached to the utility rails 108. Further, in someimplementations, the top shell member 104 may have aerodynamicallydesigned recesses 606 a and 606 b running between the front end 612 andthe back end 614 of the tent system 102. In some implementations, thetop shell member 104 may form or have attached thereto raised supportareas 616 a, 616 b, 616 c, and 616 d that support the utility rails 108.It should be noted that the recesses and/or raised support areas 616described and shown are provided by way of example and should not beconstrued as limiting.

The tent system 102 may be designed to fit conveniently on the roof of avehicle 120. For example, the tent system 102 may be sized so that itsmounting hardware (e.g., racks, clamps, straps, etc., attached to thebottom or sides of the tent system 102) securely attaches to roof railson the top of a vehicle 120. Similarly, the tent system 102 may be sizedto balance its mountability on an average or specific vehicle 120 withan ability to provide sufficient interior space. According to someimplementations, the dimensions of the tent system 102 may be 78-86inches long, 50-60 inches wide, 38-46 inches tall when open, and 7-10inches thick when closed. It should be noted that these dimensions mayvary by three to six inches or more, depending on the implementation. Itshould further be understood that the systems and techniques describedherein are applicable to tents and storage containers of many sizes andshapes.

In some implementations, the tent system 102 (or portions thereof, suchas a top of the tent system 102) may be colored white or a similarlight/heat reflecting color to prevent the tent system 102 from becominghot. It is beneficial to prevent the tent system 102 from becoming hotto avoid compromising the material (e.g., fiberglass, plastic, etc.)that the hard shell 420 may be made out of. Additionally, it isdesirable that the interior of the tent system 102 not become too warmfor user comfort.

FIG. 6B is a top perspective view 600 b of an example rooftop tent in anopen position and without a flexible membrane 110 attached thereto. Asillustrated in FIG. 6B, the top shell member 104 and the bottom shellmember 106 may be individual components where the top shell member 104moves away from the bottom shell member 106 when the tent system 102 isin an open position (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6B). As illustrated,the bottom shell member 106 includes a first rigid portion 626 thatdefines a first perimeter edge 634 and the top shell member 104 includesa second rigid portion 624 that defines a second perimeter edge 632. Thefirst perimeter edge 634 and the second perimeter edge 632 may beadapted to mate when the tent system 102 is in a closed position, suchthat the bottom shell member 106 and the top shell member 104 define aninterior cavity when the tent system 102 is in the closed position(e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6A).

As illustrated, an articulating mechanism 202 may couple the bottomshell member 106 to the top shell member 104 and may bear against thetop shell member 104 to transfer a weight of the top shell member 104and the utility rails 108 to the bottom shell member 106 and/or the roofof the vehicle 120 when the tent system 102 is in the open position.

FIG. 6C is a top perspective view 600 c of an example rooftop tentsystem 102 in an open position and with a flexible membrane 110 attachedthereto. As illustrated, the flexible membrane 110 may extend between afirst section of the first perimeter edge 634 of the bottom shell member106 and a second section of the second perimeter edge 632 of the topshell member 104. For example, a first membrane edge 532 a of theflexible membrane 110 may be adapted to connect to the first perimeteredge 634, and a second membrane edge 542 b of the flexible membrane 110may be adapted to connect to the second perimeter edge 632. In someimplementations, the first membrane edge 532 a and/or the secondmembrane edge 532 b may include a flexible membrane fastener 518 (notshown in FIG. 6C), and the first perimeter edge 634 and/or the secondperimeter edge 632 may include or have attached thereto one or moreinterconnecting members 506 (not shown in FIG. 6C) with interconnectingmember fasteners 516 configured to detachably fasten to the flexiblemembrane fasteners 518.

FIG. 7A is a bottom perspective view 700 a of an example rooftop tentsystem 102 in a closed position. The bottom 702 of the tent system 102illustrates that the bottom shell member 106 may have one or morecorrugations or elongated structures 704. The elongated structures 704may include grooves into the bottom 702 (e.g., of the bottom shellmember 106) or protrusions from the bottom 702 of the tent system 102.Protrusions (e.g., attached to the bottom shell member 106 or integratedwith the structure of the bottom shell member 106) are less likely toimpinge on the interior volume of the tent system 102 than grooves intothe bottom 702 of the tent system 102. In some implementations, theelongated supports 704 may be configured to smooth out airflow along thebottom 702 of the tent system 102. The elongated supports 704 may also,or alternatively, provide rigidity to the bottom shell member 106 of thetent system 102, thereby better supporting the weight of a person withinthe tent system 102.

Although not shown in FIG. 7A, the bottom 702 may include mountinghardware, such as a bracket or cross members that extend between theleft and right side (e.g., transverse or perpendicular to the elongatedstructures 704). The bracket or cross members may add rigidity to thebottom shell member 106 and/or facilitate mounting the tent system 102to roof rails of a vehicle 120.

FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view 700 b of an example rooftop tentsystem 102 in an open position and without a flexible membrane 110. Theview 700 b illustrates an example interior structure 722 of the topshell member 104, according to some implementations. It should be notedthat while no frame, such as an internal frame, is illustrated in FIG.7B, certain portions of the bottom shell member 106 and/or top shellmember 104 may be reinforced with a frame, brackets, or otherreinforcing structures.

In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the technology. It will be apparent, however, that thetechnology described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails.

Reference in the specification to “one implementation”, “animplementation”, “some implementations”, or “other implementations”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the implementation is included in at least oneimplementation of the disclosure. The appearances of the term“implementation” or “implementations” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the sameimplementation.

In addition, it should be understood and appreciated that variations,combinations, and equivalents of the specific implementations,implementations, and examples may exist, are contemplated, and areencompassed hereby. The invention should therefore not be limited by theabove described implementations, implementations, and examples, but byall implementations, implementations, and examples, and otherequivalents within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tent system comprising: a first shell memberincluding a first rigid portion defining a first perimeter edge, thefirst shell member adapted to mount to a roof rack of a vehicle; asecond shell member including a second rigid portion defining a secondperimeter edge, the second perimeter edge adapted to mate with the firstperimeter edge when the tent system is in a closed position, the firstshell member and the second shell member defining an interior cavitywhen the tent system is in the closed position, the second shell membermoving away from the first shell member when the tent system is in anopen position; one or more utility rails secured to the second shellmember, the one or more utility rails adapted to support one or moreitems on top of the second shell member; and an hinge assembly couplingthe first shell member to the second shell member, the hinge assemblyincluding a scissor-type hinge and an interchangeable strut, the hingeassembly bearing against the second shell member to transfer a weight ofthe second shell member, the one or more utility rails, and the one ormore items to the roof rack of the vehicle when the tent system is inthe open position, the hinge assembly adapted to collapse to a firstposition when the tent system is in the closed position and extend to asecond position when the tent system is in the open position, the hingeassembly adapted to lock in place at the second position, theinterchangeable strut adapted to assist in lifting the second shellmember to the open position, the interchangeable strut being detachablyconnected to the scissor-type hinge using a ball joint, the hingeassembly being affixed to a mounting point of the second shell memberusing a bracket plate, the one or more utility rails being affixed tothe mounting point of the second shell member and to the hinge assemblyusing the bracket plate; and a flexible membrane extending between thefirst perimeter edge and the second perimeter edge, a first membraneedge of the flexible membrane adapted to connect to the first perimeteredge and a second membrane edge of the flexible membrane adapted toconnect to the second perimeter edge.
 2. The tent system of claim 1,wherein the one or more utility rails include two parallel bars adaptedto receive a vehicle utility rack.
 3. The tent system of claim 1,wherein the articulating mechanism is adapted to lock in place when thetent system is in the open position.
 4. The tent system of claim 1,wherein the interchangeable strut includes a gas ram.
 5. The tent systemof claim 1, wherein the interchangeable strut includes a spring.
 6. Thetent system of claim 1, wherein: the interchangeable strut isinterchangeable with one or more second interchangeable struts; and theone or more second interchangeable struts have a different weight liftcapacities than the interchangeable strut.
 7. The tent system of claim1, wherein: the flexible membrane includes a first membrane fastenerextending along and fixably attached to the first membrane edge, thefirst membrane fastener adapted to detachably couple to a firstinterconnecting member fastener of a first interconnecting member, thefirst interconnecting member adapted to be secured to the firstperimeter edge of the first shell member.
 8. The tent system of claim 7,wherein: the flexible membrane includes a second membrane fastenerextending along and fixably attached to the second membrane edge, thesecond membrane fastener adapted to detachably couple to a secondinterconnecting member fastener of a second interconnecting member, thesecond interconnecting member adapted to be secured to the secondperimeter edge of the second shell member.
 9. The tent system of claim7, wherein: the first interconnecting member includes an interconnectingmember body, an attachment member, and the first interconnecting memberfastener, the interconnecting member body having a rectangular shapedefining a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, theattachment member attached to the interconnecting member body along thefirst longitudinal edge, the attachment member attached to the firstshell member along at least a portion of the first perimeter edge sothat the first interconnecting member and first shell member are fixablyattached together, the first interconnecting member fastener attached tothe interconnecting member body along the second longitudinal edge. 10.The tent system of claim 9, wherein: the first membrane fastenerincludes a first membrane zipper half, the first membrane zipper halfhaving a first zipper tape and a first series of zipper teeth extendingalong and fixably attached to the first zipper tape; and the firstinterconnecting member fastener includes a first interconnecting memberzipper half, the first interconnecting member zipper half having asecond zipper tape and a second series of zipper teeth extending alongand fixably attached to the second zipper tape.
 11. The tent system ofclaim 9, wherein the first interconnecting member zipper half isinterchangeable with other zipper halves having a similar tooth sizewithout significantly altering an overall zipper length when the firstinterconnecting member zipper half and another zipper half of the otherzipper halves are joined together.
 12. The tent system of claim 9,wherein the attachment member is fastened along the first perimeter edgeusing adhesive.
 13. The tent system of claim 9, wherein the first shellmember has an attachment member receptacle attached along the firstperimeter edge, the attachment member receptacle adapted to receive andretain the attachment member.
 14. The tent system of claim 13, whereinthe attachment member is sized for insertion into the attachment memberreceptacle so that when the attachment member is inserted into theattachment member receptacle the first interconnecting member and thefirst shell member are fixably attached to each other.